Ogbomoso gears up for 21st Soun Coronation, as committee unveils activities

All is now set for the official coronation ceremony of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, as the Central Coronation Planning Committee announced activities lined up for the eagerly anticipated event.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, the Chairman of the Central Coronation Planning Committee, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, said the ceremony is scheduled to take place from December 14th to 19th, 2023.

“You will recall that on the 2nd of September 2023, Oyo state Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde graciously approved the selection of Prince Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye of Olaoye Ruling House, who was duly selected by the family and the kingmakers in Ogbomoso as the successor of our late King, Oba Jimoh Oladuni Oyewumi, Soun Ajagunbade Ill. The selection and subsequent approval of Oba Ghandi Olaoye were celebrated by indigenes of Ogbomoso both at home and in the diaspora, with over 4 million congratulatory messages on electronic, print, and social media due to the personality involved and his passion for the advancement and development of Ogbomoso.

“Thus, our people are enthusiastic to be part of the historic occasion which was last witnessed about 50 years ago when the late Soun of Ogbomoso was crowned on 14th December 1973,” the committee explained.

According to Adepoju, the epoch-making event will kick off with the Arrival and a one hundred and fifty million naira (N150m) Empowerment Programme as part of the monarch’s efforts to support enterprises that have contributed to the development of Ogbomoso.

On Friday, December 15, the monarch is billed to join the Muslim Ummah for Jumat Service in the morning at the Palace, and the evening is scheduled for a welcome reception for the Golfers of the Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament at the Recreation Club. While Saturday, December 16, featured the Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament at the Recreation Club, this will be followed up by Traditional celebrations and entertainment in the palace.

On Sunday, December 17, Oba Afolabi Olaoye will join the Interdenominational Coronation Church Service with Pastor Enoch Adeboye ministering at 11 am at Beulah Centre while Monday, December 18, will feature a Praise and Worship Night and Concert at LAUTECH.

Tuesday, December 19, will be the grand finale of the coronation ceremony featuring the Presentation of the Staff of the Office and Reception by 11 am at the Ogbomoso Township Stadium.

Addressing concerns arising from court proceedings, Adepoju assured the public that disputes surrounding the ascension to the throne are relatively settled, expressing optimism that “all forms of dispute on the ascension to the throne will soon be a thing of the past.”

The committee added that it was expecting a diverse array of dignitaries, including traditional kings, government representatives, industry leaders, and diaspora members, assuring robust safety measures during the event, and designated travel routes.